cauliflower

noun

cau·​li·​flow·​er ˈkȯ-li-ˌflau̇(-ə)r  ˈkä- 

-lē-

often attributive

: a garden plant (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) related to the cabbage and grown for its compact edible head of usually white undeveloped flowers

also : its flower cluster used as a vegetable

Examples of cauliflower in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Similar to traditional Italian dumplings made with mashed potato, this version uses about 75 percent cauliflower, along with cassava flour, potato starch, extra-virgin olive oil, and sea salt. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 19 June 2026

Blending cauliflower into a hummus alternative makes a low-carb dip for other vegetables. — Ashley Olivine, Verywell Health, 18 June 2026

Is there anything cauliflower can't do? — Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2026

Heirloom carrots, artichokes, cauliflower, and other plants (many cultivated by an in-house agronomist) are transformed into gorgeous dishes designed to reveal the essence of each ingredient. — Denny Lee, Travel + Leisure, 16 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian cavolfiore, from cavolo cabbage (from Late Latin caulus, from Latin caulis stem, cabbage) + fiore flower, from Latin flor-, flos — more at cole, blow

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cauliflower

• cauliflower ear
• Romanesco cauliflower

Rhymes for cauliflower

• candlepower
• overpower
• superpower
• vavasour
• waterpower
• airpower
• brainpower
• devour
• empower
• firepower
• horsepower
• manpower

Kids Definition

cauliflower

noun

cau·​li·​flow·​er ˈkȯ-li-ˌflau̇(-ə)r 

: a garden plant closely related to the cabbage and grown for its compact edible head of usually white undeveloped flowers